Filter faucet

ABSTRACT

A filtration cartridge faucet assembly contains a filtration cartridge having a filter core that is concealed beneath a sink deck through the use of an escutcheon mount. The escutcheon mount permits access to a renewable filtration cartridge from above the sink deck while concealing and protecting the filtration body. The renewable filtration cartridge is equipped with a flow control device, as well as counter rotation devices that prevent undesirable outrotation of a threaded cap.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 09/034,377 filed Mar. 4, 1998, a continuation-in-part of applicationSer. No. 09/210,189 filed Dec. 11, 1998, and a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/262,193 filed Mar. 4, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention pertains to the field of water filtrationor purification devices and, particularly, mounting assemblies that areused to mount renewable or replaceable filters in proximity to a sink.More specifically, the mounting assemblies are adapted to mount filtersin locations that facilitate unhindered use of the sink area, yet thefilters can be easily renewed or replaced from above the countertop atthe end of their useful life.

[0004] 2. Statement of the Problem

[0005] Most water faucets of the type that supply water to a sink do notinclude a water filtration or purification device. These faucetstypically contain a central valve connected to a cold water supply and ahot water supply. The valve is capable of selective actuation to providehot, cold or warm water for use at the sink. The faucet assembliestypically use screens having relatively large openings to removecorrespondingly large particles from the incoming water supply, but noattempt is made to filter small particles or purify the water bychemical means.

[0006] Water consumers are increasingly aware that public water suppliesare contaminated with many undesirable chemicals and microorganismswhich are capable of impairing the health of persons who consume thewater. For example, water supplies in rural agricultural areas oftencontain nitrates and pesticides, which are used to treat crops. Mostmunicipalities add chlorine to guard against pathogens in the publicwater supply. There is much discussion among experts over whatconcentrations of chlorine, nitrates, and pesticides are considered tobe safe. Generally, it is acknowledged that the water supply would bebetter without these chemicals. Similarly, water may contain pathogenicmicroorganisms, such as rotavirus, Giardia and Cryptosporidium, whichmay be removed by filtration and chemical treatment.

[0007] Water filtration and purification devices may be purchased andinstalled for use in combination with sink-mounted water faucets. Paperfilters or activated carbon blocks are commonly used as the filtrationmaterial. A common technique is to place the water filter in aself-contained housing with an inlet and outlet connected to the coldwater supply leading to the faucet. The assembled in-line unit is placedin a compartment beneath the sink where it operates to filter wateruntil the end of its useful life. The filtration element is renewed orreplaced by unscrewing a cap from the assembly and withdrawing thefiltration element for renewal or replacement.

[0008] The filter renewal or replacement procedure is a source of manytroubles. The person who performs this procedure must partially crawlinto the compartment beneath the sink to renew the cartridge. Otheritems in the compartment, e.g., paper items, granulated soaps, andtools, must be removed to protect them from spillage as the filter ischanged. Leaks may be caused in valves and plumbing connections as aconsequence of moving the filter. Over time, the compartment sustainsnoticeable water damage due to repeated spillage and leaks.

[0009] Where in-line systems are not used, the alternative procedure isto place a filter on the countertop or on the faucet discharge. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,286 shows a faucet-mounted water filterthat is secured to the open end of a water faucet. A manually actuatablediverter valve is used to divert water from the main discharge to thefilter. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,656,160 shows a water filter that ismounted on the countertop adjacent the sink. The filter inlet is coupledwith the sink faucet through a swivel mounted elbow that is capable of360 degree rotation. The problem with filters mounted above the counteris that they occupy space in areas of high activity. Faucet mountedfilters of the type shown in the '286 patent are subject to damage fromitems that are being cleaned in the sink, e.g., pans, dishes or turkeys,and the filter may even have to be removed to provide access for largeitems. Countertop models similarly interfere with desirable access tothe sink area.

[0010] There remains a need for a filter mounting assembly that permitsmounting of a filter proximate a sink without occupying space in thework area adjacent the sink and without the inconvenience of a belowsink mount.

Solution

[0011] The present invention overcomes the problems that are outlinedabove and advances the art by providing a filtration cartridge mountingassembly that permits mounting of a filter proximate a sink withoutoccupying space in the work area adjacent the sink. Substantially all ofthe filter is stored beneath the countertop, but the filter is accessedfor renewal or replacement from a vantage point above the countertopwork surface. Even though the filter is concealed beneath thecountertop, there is advantageously no need for one to crawl into thecompartment beneath the sink for renewal or replacement of thecartridge.

[0012] A water filtration cartridge assembly according to the inventionincludes a filtration body for use in the filtration of water. Anescutcheon or flange is adapted to mount the filtration body into sinkdeck openings. The filtration body passes through the escutcheon and thesink deck opening to conceal a substantial portion of the filtrationbody beneath the countertop. A detachable channel-lock, compressionfitting, or threadable coupling is used to connect the filtration bodywith the escutcheon to provide a sealed assembly without leakage ofwater when the filtration body is used for filtration of water. Thecoupling mechanism also permits renewal or replacement of the filtrationbody from an access position above the countertop when the filtrationbody is not used for filtration of water.

[0013] As used in this art, there is sometimes ambiguity as to whether afilter includes only a mechanical filter. Chemical scrubbers, such asactivated carbon blocks, are also sometimes referred to as filters.Similarly, beds of chemical treating or purification agents also act asmechanical filters. In an effort to resolve this ambiguity, the term“filter” is hereby defined to include mechanical filters, beds ofchemical scrubbers, beds of chemical treating agents, beds of chemicalpurification agents, fluidized beds of particulate treating agents, andany other bed of material that even temporarily has the effect of amechanical or electrostatic filter.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the filtration body includes a filtercore received within an outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has an upperopening of sufficient dimensions to permit passage of the filter corethrough the upper opening. Thus, the outer sleeve is a permanent part ofthe mounting assembly, and only the filter core need be replaced attimes of cartridge renewal or replacement. Less preferred embodimentsrequire replacement of the entire cartridge including the outer sleeveand, consequently, are more wasteful. The filter core preferably has acylindrical shape including a central axial bed of at least one chemicalpurification agent surrounded by a radial mechanical filter.

[0015] In other preferred embodiments, the escutcheon is speciallyformed through a water faucet housing. Thus, the filtration body ismounted through the second or third hole in a sink beneath the housingwhere the first hole is a conventional central hole beneath the faucetvalve assembly.

[0016] The escutcheon may also be a specially made flange adapted toretain the filtration body within a soap hole in a sink, i.e., what isconventionally referred to as the fourth hole.

[0017] A five way valve is formed of two ceramic plates for purposes offlowing water to the filter assembly. This valve is speciallyconstructed to flow only cold water to the filter. An especiallypreferred feature of this valve is the filtered water position being anextension of the cold water positional domain as the handle attached tothe valve is rotated towards the cold water position. A spring detentassembly is strategically placed on a ramp to provide an indication thata handle for the valve has rotated into a filtered water domain, and toassure that the valve initially jumps to a position where it flows atfull capacity once the detent resistance is overcome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 depicts a right front perspective elevational view of afiltration cartridge faucet assembly corresponding to a first embodimentof the invention;

[0019]FIG. 2 depicts a faucet housing including an escutcheon mount foruse in the FIG. 1 embodiment;

[0020]FIG. 3 depicts bottom rear perspective view of the filtrationcartridge faucet assembly;

[0021]FIG. 4 depicts a top elevational perspective view of a five wayvalve for use in selectively providing filtered water from thefiltration cartridge faucet assembly;

[0022]FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of internal components for use inthe five way valve, where the internal components include a top plateand a bottom plate;

[0023]FIG. 6 depicts a top plan view of the bottom plate for use in thefive way valve;

[0024]FIG. 7 depicts a bottom plan view of the top plate for use in thefive way valve;

[0025]FIG. 8 depicts a bottom plan view of the five way valve depictedin FIG. 4;

[0026]FIG. 9 depicts a renewable filtration core for use in the FIG. 1embodiment;

[0027]FIG. 10 depicts a midsectional view of the filtration coreinstalled in a filtration assembly;

[0028]FIG. 11 depicts a generalized end of life indicator mechanismtogether with a schematic circuit diagram; and

[0029]FIG. 12 depicts the filtration cartridge faucet assembly mountedon a sink deck;

[0030]FIG. 13 depicts a right front perspective elevational view of afiltration cartridge faucet assembly corresponding to a secondembodiment of the invention; and

[0031]FIG. 14 depicts additional detail with respect to the secondembodiment of FIG. 13.

[0032]FIG. 15 depicts a right top perspective assembly view of a secondembodiment of a five way valve for use according to the presentinvention;

[0033]FIG. 16 depicts a top rear plan view of a top plate for use in thevalse assembly of FIG. 15;

[0034]FIG. 17 depicts a bottom rear plan view of the top plate shown inFIG. 16;

[0035]FIG. 18 depicts a top rear plan view of a bottom plate for use inthe valve assembly of FIG. 15;

[0036]FIG. 19 depicts a bottom rear plan view of the bottom plate shownin FIG. 18;

[0037]FIG. 20 depicts a top plan view of a manifold connector plate foruse in the valve assembly of FIG. 15;

[0038]FIG. 21 depicts a top perspective view of a collar for use in thevalve assembly of FIG. 15;

[0039]FIG. 22 depicts a top perspective view of a pivot holder for usein the valve assembly of FIG. 15;

[0040]FIG. 23 depicts a top perspective view of a force transfer platefor use in the valve assembly of FIG. 15;

[0041]FIG. 24 depicts a midsectional view of the assembled valvecorresponding to FIG. 15 with a mechanism for limiting vertical rockingmotion of a cam lever;

[0042]FIG. 25 depicts a top plan view of the valve corresponding to FIG.15 with a mechanism for limiting rotational movement of centralcomponents in the valve;

[0043]FIG. 26 depicts a manifold assembly for use in providing water toand accepting water from the valves shown in FIG. 4 or 15;

[0044]FIG. 27 depicts an assembly view of manifold components for use inthe manifold of FIG. 26;

[0045]FIG. 28 depicts a midsectional view of a dual discharge faucetincluding the components of FIGS. 26 and 27;

[0046]FIG. 29 depicts a midsectional view of the dual discharge faucetshown in FIG. 28, except the faucet has been retrofitted with anelectronic end of filtration life indicator;

[0047]FIG. 30 depicts a midsectional view of a filtration assembly thatcan be used as an alternative to the filtration assembly shown in FIGS.10 and 14; and

[0048]FIG. 31 depicts a sliding collet that is used to mount afiltration body sleeve on an escutcheon.

[0049]FIG. 32 depicts a midsectional view of yet another filtrationassembly that can be used as an alternative to the filtration assemblyshown in FIGS. 10, 14, and 30, wherein the filtration assembly isimproved by the addition of a flow control device and a plurality ofcounter rotational locking assemblies;

[0050]FIG. 33 provides additional detail with respect to the counterrotational locking assemblies of the filtration assembly shown in FIG.32;

[0051]FIG. 34 provides additional detail with respect to the counterrotational locking assemblies of the filtration assembly shown in FIGS.32 and 33;

[0052]FIG. 35 provides additional detail with respect to the counterrotational locking assemblies of the filtration assembly shown in FIGS.32, 33, and 34;

[0053]FIG. 36 provides additional detail with respect to the flowcontrol assembly shown in FIG. 32; and

[0054]FIG. 37 is a process schematic diagram showing operation of acircuit card that calculates a remaining filter life according to theinvention;

[0055]FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the faucet assembly handle that isconstrained to various positional domains according to rotational limitsthat are imposed by the valve cartridge shown in FIGS. 15 and 25;

[0056]FIG. 39 depicts a midsectional view of a second preferredembodiment of a dual discharge faucet assembly;

[0057]FIG. 41 depicts a circuit board rest mechanism of a type that maybe used in the dual discharge faucet assemblies shown in FIGS. 29 and 41where the reset mechanism is in a normal operational mode; and

[0058]FIG. 42 depicts the circuit board rest mechanism of FIG. 41 wherethe reset mechanism is in rest mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059]FIG. 1 depicts a front, right, top elevational perspective view ofa first embodiment of the invention, namely, filtration cartridge faucetassembly 100. Filtration cartridge faucet assembly 100 includes a waterfaucet assembly 102 and a filtration body 104. The major components ofwater faucet assembly 102 include an ovaloid faucet housing 106, a valvebody 108 which is integrally formed with spout 110, and a handle 112.Valve body 108 is capable of rotation on a vertically oriented axis,with the rotation shifting spout 110 to selected positions on the rightor left, e.g., as to dispense water in different sides of a sink (notdepicted in FIG. 1). An escutcheon 114 adapts filtration body 104 forcoupling with faucet housing 106.

[0060] Handle 112 is internally connected to an interior valve withinvalve body 108, and is selectively positionable to dispense unfilteredhot, cold, or warm water from spout 110 through valve body 108 in aconventional manner. Handle 112 is also selectively positionable toprovide cold water to filtration body 104, and the filtered water isreturned to spout 110 for point-of-use dispensation of filtered water.

[0061] Filtration body 104 contains a cylindrical outer sleeve 116having a closed distal end 118. A cylindrical, axially elongated filtercore 120 fills the interior side of outer sleeve 116. An end of lifeindicator 122 also serves as a cap for the filter core, and detachablylocks filter core 120 in place while interior seals prevent leakage frombetween escutcheon 114 and filtration body 104.

[0062]FIG. 2 provides additional detail with respect to faucet housing106, which is depicted from a top, right, elevational perspective.Housing 106 includes a flat upper wall 200 through which there is formeda central circular aperture 202 for the passage of conventional watersupply lines. A vertically oriented cylindrical sidewall 204 with aradially inboard extending rim 206 is used for coupling faucet housing106 with valve body 108 (see FIG. 1). An arcuate lip 208 curvesdownwardly from surface 200.

[0063] Escutcheon 114 includes a cylindrical vertical sidewall 210surrounding aperture 212, which passes through wall 200 and sidewall 210An arcuate ramp 214 provides an easy-to-clean surface rising from upperwall 200 to a cylindrical rim 216. The lower portion of sidewall 210provides a ring-like lip 218, which travels from sidewall 210 in aradially inboard direction to narrow the diameter of aperture 212.

[0064] Sidewall 210 preferably has a height that places the bottom ofring-like lip 212 at a height that is equal to or higher than theelevation corresponding to the bottom 220 of arcuate lip 204. Thisheight dimension permits filtration body 104 (see FIG. 1) to have amaximum outer diameter corresponding to a conventional third hole in asink deck (not depicted in FIG. 2) without requiring sidewall 210 topass through the third hole. A threaded nipple 222 is configured to passthrough the second hole of a conventional sink deck to lock faucethousing in place for its intended use.

[0065] Water outlet orifice 224 and water inlet orifice 226 pass throughsidewall 210. Outlet orifice 224 is at a higher elevation than inletorifice 226. Sidewall 210 contains a pair of recessed slots 228 and 230,which are used to engage corresponding channels in cap end of lifeindicator 122 (see FIG. 1) for retention of filter core 120 withinescutcheon 114.

[0066]FIG. 3 depicts filtration cartridge faucet assembly 100 from aright rear bottom elevational perspective view. A plate nut 300threadably engages nipple 222 to secure housing 106 in position above aconventional sink deck (not depicted in FIG. 3). Filtered water line 302connects filtration outlet orifice 224 (see FIG. 2) with spout 110through sidewall 204. The internal flow channels of assembly 100 withinvalve body 108 are such that filtered water from filtered water line 302travels through valve body 108 and spout 110 to discharge from spout 110at orifice 306, which permits the passage of water through a separatesanitary system apart from the main discharge orifice 308 for unfilteredwater. Filtration water supply line 304 connects filtration inletorifice 226 with a valve internal to sidewall 204 and valve body 108. Acopper cold water supply line 310 arid a copper hot water supply line312 are conventional water supply lines for the distribution anddelivery of water. A brass stem 314 is optionally used as a conventionalsprayer attachment. Supply lines 310 and 312, as well as stem 314, arecoupled with end plate 316 for transmission of water to the internalportion of valve body 108.

[0067]FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a five way valve 400 thatfits within valve body 108. An inverted cup-shaped housing 402 includesan outer cylindrical wall 404 having a plurality of rectangular notches406, 408, and 410, which permit runoff of excess water or leakage. Aplurality of holes, e.g., holes 412 and 414 are spaced equally aroundthe perimeter of wall 404, and extend through wall 404. The holes 412and 414 permit the passage of bolts or screws through wall 404 to couplehousing 402 and valve 400 in sealing engagement with end plate 316 (seeFIG. 3).

[0068] A central turntable 416 protrudes through and is pressed intosealing engagement with housing 402. Turntable 416 is rotatable within ahorizontal plane relative to housing 402. A wing 418 extends to the sideof turntable 416 to prevent over rotation of turntable 416 by abutmentagainst inwardly protruding bosses surrounding holes 412 and 414.

[0069] A four-armed rocking cam lever 420 is centrally positioned withrespect to turntable 416. Cam lever 420 is free to pivot over a limitedarc around pin 422, which protrudes through turntable 416. Arms 424 and426 limit the arc of rotation around pin 422 by abutment againstturntable 426. Upward arm 428 has a notch 430 for correspondingengagement with set screw 124 of handle 112 (see FIG. 1). Upward arm 428is used to transfer horizontal rotational motions from handle 112 toturntable 416, as well as vertical rocking motions from handle 112 tointerior valve components within housing 404. A fourth arm of cam lever420 and a corresponding compression spring are hidden from view in FIG.4, but passes into the interior spaces of housing 402 extending directlyaway from and parallel to upward arm 428. This fourth arm is used tocontact the aforementioned interior valve components within housing 402.Ears 432 and 434 are used to stabilize cam lever 420 against lateralmotion parallel to the axis defined by pin 422.

[0070]FIG. 5 depicts a top plan view of two ceramic plates that form theinterior valve components of five way valve 400. Top plate 500 includesa rounded cylindrical recess 502 having an inward taper 504 for receiptof the fourth arm 505 of cam lever 420. Fourth arm 505 is shown inphantom in FIG. 5 because fourth arm 505 is actually part of cam lever420. Top plate 500 has a nose 506 in which is formed a pair of upwardlytapered bevels 508 and 510. These bevels 508 and 510 each abut acorresponding rail 512 and 514, which are shown in phantom in FIG. 5because rails 512 and 514 are integrally formed as an interior featureof housing 402. Rails 512 and 514 function as a lateral motionconstraint that forces the motion of point 516 to lie along imaginarytranslational axis 518 as top plate 500 slides in horizontal motionrelative to bottom plate 520. Thus, the remote end 522 of top plate 520is free to pivot in an horizontal arc relative to point 516 while point516 is forced into substantial alignment with the track defined byimaginary axis 518.

[0071] Bottom plate 520 has an outer perimeter in which there is formeda plurality of notches 524, 526, and 528 for engaging correspondingstructure within housing 402 (see FIG. 4). This engagement with notches524, 526, and 528 locks bottom plate in place relative to housing 402. Acentral, upwardly raised, flat sliding surface 530 is coated with ahydrophobic silicon-based grease to facilitate a watertight seal.

[0072]FIG. 6 is a top plan view that provides additional detail withrespect to bottom plate 520. In FIG. 5, top plate 500 has been removedwith respect to FIG. 5 to reveal a plurality of openings that passcompletely through bottom plate 520. In combination, these openings forminterior flow passageways within five way valve 400 that ultimatelypermit the flow of hot water, cold water, cold water to filter, andmixed water through spout 110. Openings 600 and 602 are intended to beconnected to a cold water supply. Opening 604 is intended to beconnected to a hot water supply. Opening 606 is used to carry water fromopenings 602 and 604 for delivery from main discharge orifice 308 ofspout 110 (see FIG. 3). Opening 608 is intended to discharge cold waterfrom opening 600 to filtration water supply line 304 and filtration body104 (see FIG. 3).

[0073]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view that provides additional detail withrespect to top plate 500. Top plate 500 has a first irregularly shapedrecess 700, which includes a tapered section 702 and a rounded section704. Recess 700 functions as a via that permits the passage of coldwater for filtration. The tapered section 702 is configured to overliecold water opening 600 in bottom plate 520 (see FIG. 6) while therounded section 704 overlies opening 608 for the discharge of filtrationwater. Thus, a temporary flow passage is formed for filtration water bythe position of top plate 500 relative to bottom plate 520.

[0074] A second irregularly shaped recess 706 is configured to make itimpossible for recess 706 to flow water through opening 606 at the sametime that recess 702 is positioned to permit flow of filtration waterthrough opening 608 (see FIG. 6). A dogleg feature 708 and a point 710are adapted to overlie openings 602 and 604 while a remote end 712overlies opening 606. In this manner, the dogleg feature 708 overliesopening 602 and point 706 overlies opening 604 while the remote end 712overlies opening 606 to permit selective flow of hot, cold or mixed warmwater through opening 606.

[0075]FIG. 8 depicts a bottom plan view of the assembled five way valve400. Housing 402 includes a bottom wall 800 having a plurality ofopenings formed therein to permit passage of water. A cold water opening802 is in communication with cold water supply line 310 (see FIG. 3),opening 600 and opening 602. A hot water opening 804 is in communicationwith hot water supply line 312 (see FIG. 3) and opening 604. Afiltration water discharge opening 806 is in communication withfiltration water supply line 304 (see FIG. 3) and opening 608. A mixedwater discharge opening 808 is in communication with main dischargeorifice 308 (see FIG. 3) and opening 606. A plurality of elastomericbands having a rectangular crossection function as seals 810, 812, 814,and 816, which prevent water leakage under the tensile strain exerted bybolts 818, 820 and 822 to compress housing 420 into end plate 316 (seeFIG. 3). A plurality of frustoconical recesses 824, 826, 828, and 830are formed in bottom plate 520 to convey water to the respectiveopenings 600-608. As depicted in FIG. 8, top plate 500 is selectivelypositioned relative to bottom plate 520 in a configuration that placestapered section 702 over opening 600 and rounded section 704 overopening 608 for the discharge of filtration water.

[0076] The foregoing discussion demonstrates that five way valve 400 isselectively positioned by actuation of handle 112 to provide these fiveflow configurations:

[0077] (1) Flow of cold water from opening 600 to opening 608 forfiltration;

[0078] (2) Flow of cold water from opening 602 to opening 606 fordischarge of unfiltered cold water;

[0079] (3) Flow of hot water from opening 604 to opening 606 fordischarge of unfiltered hot water;

[0080] (4) Simultaneous flow of cold water from opening 602 and hotwater from opening 604 to opening 606 for discharge of unfiltered mixedor warm temperature water; and

[0081] (5) No flow with top plate 500 of valve 400 positioned to blockflow, i.e., in an off position.

[0082]FIG. 9 depicts additional detail with respect to a cylindricalfilter core 120 (see FIG. 1). End of life indicator 122 functions as atwist handle for axial rotation of filter core 120. In a verticallydescending sequence, the exterior portion of end of life indicator 122includes a first cylindrical lip 902 above an O-ring-retaining channel904. A pair of diametrically opposed protrusions, e.g., protrusion 906,are formed above the first cylindrical lip 902. The protrusions havesufficient dimensions to fit within recessed slots 228 and 230 forcorresponding interengagement with and retention of filter core 122within escutcheon 114 (see FIG. 2). This interengagement also retainsthe filter core 120 within the filtration body 104 (see FIG. 1). Asecond cylindrical lip 908 contains a plurality of perforations, e.g.,perforations 910 and 912, leading to the interior of end of lifeindicator 122. A second O-ring channel 914 exists beneath secondcylindrical lip 908. A third cylindrical lip 916 has a greater diameterthan does tube 918, which is ultrasonically welded or adhered to end oflife indicator 122.

[0083] Tube 918 has an impermeable wall 920 connecting third cylindricallip 916 with a lower flared shoulder 922. Shoulder 922 has a sufficientinternal diameter to receive a tubular mechanical filter 924. Mechanicalfilter 924 is adhered to shoulder 922, and can be a paper or cardboardfilter to strain sediments, or it can be a microfilter that removespathogenic bacterial or even viruses from the water. In low-sedimentenvironments of use, a particle filter capable of removing 0.22 micronparticles will remove substantially all pathogenic bacterialcontaminants, but this size of filter clogs quickly in moderatelysedimented environments. A one micron filter removes substantially allprotozoa and does not clog as easily as the 0.22 micron filter. A fivemicron filter removes only sediments, and does not protect againstprotozoa. The filter is selectively sized for the intended environmentof use.

[0084] A plastic plug 926 is adhered to the bottom portion of mechanicalfilter 924 to prevent water from bypassing the filter. A leaf spring 928places a compressive force on mechanical filter 924 and tube 918 toenhance the interengagement between protrusion 906 its correspondingrecessed slot 228.

[0085]FIG. 10 depicts a midsectional view of filtration body 104installed in escutcheon 114. As indicated above, filtration body 104includes a cylindrical outer sleeve 116 with a having a closed distalend 118. Filter core 120 fills the interior of outer sleeve 116. Outersleeve 116 has a radially outward extending horizontal upper lip 1000that is welded or adhered to the ring-like lip 218 of escutcheon 114where the junction of upper lip 1000 and lip 218 forms a watertightseal. O-rings 1002 and 1004 engage wall 210 to form water tight sealsabove and below the perforations including perforation 910. Theperforations including perforation 910 are aligned with water outletorifice 224 and filtered water line 302 for supply of water to filteredwater orifice 306 after internal travel within spout 110 (see FIG. 3).The discharged filtered water passes through the space 1006 betweenO-rings 1002 and 1004. Similarly, water inlet orifice 226 is alignedwith filtration water supply line 304 for passage of water beneathO-ring 1004.

[0086] The water from filtration water supply line 304 passes throughwater inlet orifice 226 and into an annulus or plenum 1008 where thewater flows in an axial downward direction past tube 918, past shoulder922, and into lower plenum 1010 adjacent mechanical filter 924. Thewater changes flow direction ninety degrees to flow in a radiallyinboard direction through mechanical filter 924 and into interior plenum1012, which exists between mechanical filter 924 and an impermeableinner sleeve 1014. The flow again changes direction ninety degrees toflow axially downward to perforations 1016 and 1018, which transfer thewater interior to inner sleeve 1014. End cap 926 is adhered to the innercircumference of inner sleeve 1014 and mechanical filter 924 to preventwater from bypassing the filter 924.

[0087] With the conversion from radial flow to axial flow now complete,a first stacked axial bed 1020 is the first bed in a series of stackedaxial beds including beds 1020, 1022, and 1024. These beds include aplurality of sequential beds comprising chemical scrubbing andpurification agents. For example, bed 1020 can be a bed of KDF™material, which functions as an extremely good chlorine scrubber andalso demonstrates antimicrobial activity. The KDF™ material is acommercially available product produced by KDF Company of ConstantineMich. The KDF™ material is a proprietary mixture of zinc and copper thatis heated and flaked into tiny pieces. The material permits an exchangeof ions due to an oxidation reduction process. The KDF material also hasbactericidal effects, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,770.Alternatively, bed 1020 can be a bacteriostatic carbon, such as a silverimpregnated carbon. Bed 1022 can be activated carbon to removepesticides and other undesirable chemicals. Bed 1024 can include aflavor enhancer, such as calcium carbonate. Alternatively, bed 720 cancontain an antimicrobial agent, e.g., an iodinated ion exchange resin,while bed 722 is activated carbon to scrub the iodine from the water.Any one of these beds can be compressed with fill or packed withparticulates to an approximate 80% fill volume to provide a fluidizedbed of the treating agent. The respective beds are separated byperforated disks 1025 and 1028. The flow of water proceeds axiallyupward through beds 1020-1024 and into region 1032 for entry into theend of life indicator 122. In turn, end of life indicator 122 dischargesthe water through the perforations 910, through orifice 224, and intofiltered water line 302 (see FIG. 3).

[0088] A preferred feature of the invention is to incorporateantibacterial agents, such as the aforementioned KDF™ material, into themechanical filter 924 and the stacked axial beds 1020-1024. Thesematerials, as well as other known antimicrobial agents, exhibitantimicrobial activity that prevents bacteria from growing through themechanical filter 924. The use of antimicrobial agents can substantiallyprolong filter life where filter 924 is a microfilter. Where theantimicrobial agent places undesirable bactericides into the water, asin the case of iodinated ion exchanged resins, an activated carbon bedmay be used to scrub the bactericide from the filtered water.

[0089] End of life indicator 122 includes a liquid crystal display 1026that provides an alphanumeric readout and is activated by push-button1032. The end of life indicator 122 is battery powered, and push-button1032 is provided to conserve battery power by activating the displayonly when readout is necessary. The readout identifies how many gallonsof water have passed through filtration body 104 and percentagewise howmuch of the useful cartridge life is left in filtration core 120.

[0090] As to alternative embodiments, those skilled in the art willappreciate that a conventional threaded nipple can be installed in endplate 118 to receive water from filtration water supply line 304, asopposed to receiving water from perforations 910 and 912. Furthermore,the end of life indicator can be replaced by a screw-on cap or otherdevice for locking and sealing the upper\end of the cartridge in anoperational manner.

[0091]FIG. 11 depicts a schematic circuit diagram in combination with ageneralized midsectional view of a paddle wheel flowmeter assembly 1100installed in filter core 120 for use in combination with end of lifeindicator 122. A cylindrical housing 1102 receives water from region1032. Housing 1102 contains paddle wheel 1104, which is retained by avertically oriented pin 1106. A magnet 1108 is attached to one of thepaddles of paddle wheel 1104. Printed circuit board 1110 holds aninduction coil 1112, which functions as a Hall effect sensor or pickoffto detect the passing of magnet 1108 concomitant with the rotation ofpaddle wheel 1104 due to the action of water passing through interiorcavity 1114. Coil 1112 is mounted on printed circuit board 1110externally to housing 1102. Printed circuit board 1110 contains a smallprocessor 1116, which cumulates a totalized flow volume corresponding tothe rotation of paddle wheel 1104, as is cyclically detected by theHall-effect magnet-induced current in coil 1112. Printed circuit board1110 passes the calculation results to alphanumeric display 1026 forpush-button access when button 1030 is depressed. A battery 1118provides power to assembly 1110, and is preferably mounted in thefiltration core 120 (see FIG. 1).

[0092]FIG. 12 depicts the filtration cartridge faucet assembly 100mounted on a sink deck 1200, which has a conventional fourth holeopening 1202 for use with a conventional vegetable sprayer 1204. Theinstallation places substantially all of filtration body 104 beneath theworking surface 1206 of counter 1208. A person who desires to renew orreplace filtration core 120 merely needs to grasp end of life indicator122 and twist counterclockwise. The bias of leaf spring 928 (see FIG. 9)pushes filter core upward when protrusion 910 disengages slot 928.Filter core 120 can be lifted out of sleeve 116 from a position entirelyabove counter 1208, and a new filter core is substituted in its place.These design features permit use of the filter from a locationsubstantially beneath counter 1208 while permitting renewal orreplacement from a position above counter 1208.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a second faucet canbe provided in position 1210 above the second hole of the sink deck bymerely connecting filtered water line to the second faucet for dischargeof filtered water from position 1210, as opposed to discharge fromorifice 306. Similarly, a second faucet may be installed in place ofvegetable sprayer 1204. The concept of a fourth hole mount in place ofvegetable sprayer 1204 may be expanded to include a retrofit assemblycontrolled by its own valve atop filtration body 104. The retrofitassembly could incorporate end of life indicator 122 as part of thefaucet.

[0094]FIG. 13 depicts a second embodiment of the invention, namely, afourth hole mounted faucet filter 1300. The fourth hole mounted faucetfilter assembly 1300 is designed as a retrofit assembly to equip aconventional sink with a filtration device. Thus, sink 1302 is equippedwith a conventional non-filtering faucet 1304. Faucet filter assembly1300 is substantially identical to the filtration body of filtrationcartridge faucet assembly 100, except assembly 1300 contains a separatevalve 1306 and associated discharge line 1308. The same filter core 120including end of life indicator 122 may be used in either assembly 100or assembly 1300. An escutcheon 1312 adapts assembly 1300 for mountingin the fourth hole 1314 o f sink deck 1316 to place the majority portionof assembly 1300 where it is hidden from view beneath working surface1318 of counter 1320.

[0095]FIG. 14 provides additional detail with respect to features ofassembly 1300 that are hidden from view in FIG. 13. An outer sleeve 1400differs from outer sleeve 116 in FIG. 1 by virtue of inlet nipple 1402.Inlet nipple 1402 replaces filtration water supply line 304 shown inFIG. 3 for direct discharge of water into plenum 1010 beneath leafspring 928. Similarly, with respect to FIG. 3, filtered water flowingfrom the perforations including perforation 910 is gathered fordischarge into discharge line 1308, as opposed to filtered water line302.

[0096] It is preferred that the bottom surface 1404 of escutcheon 1312have a strong adhesive providing means for adhering escutcheon 1312 tosink deck 1316 (see FIG. 13). A threaded escutcheon backed by a platenut beneath the sink deck would also work for purposes of the invention,but the corresponding need to pass a threaded nipple through the fourthhole 1314 would required narrowing the diameter of outer sleeve 1400.The narrow diameter would necessitate the placement of a correspondinglylower volume of filtration and/or purification material in filter core120.

[0097]FIG. 15 depicts a right front perspective assembly view of asecond five way valve 1500 that can be substituted for the valve 400shown in FIG. 4. Valve 1500 is improved with respect to valve 400 due toa positive locking feature that assures the flow of filtered water onlyin a specialized position. A plate valve assembly 1502 is used tocontrol the flow of water in much the same manner as for valve 400 shownin FIG. 4. An actuator linkage assembly 1504 permits rotation andshifting of components of valve assembly 1502 with respect to oneanother. A main housing 1506 contains and protects the internalcomponents of valve 1500. A four-armed rocking cam lever 1508 functionsas the primary mover for actuator linkage assembly 1504. A pin 1510connects the cam lever 1508 with actuator linkage assembly 1504.

[0098] As depicted in FIG. 15, plate valve assembly 1502 contains aslidable top plate 1512, a fixed bottom plate 1514, and a bottommostmanifold connector plate 1516. FIG. 16 is a rear bottom plan view of topplate 1514. Top plate 1512 presents a flat sliding surface 1600 that ispreferably coated with a thin coat of hydrophobic grease for sealingengagement against bottom plate 1514 (see FIG. 15).

[0099]FIG. 16 depicts a bottom rear plan view of top plate 1512. A flatsliding surface 1600 is covered with a silicon-based hydrophobic greaseto provide sealing engagement against bottom plate 1514 (see FIG. 15). Acentral keyhole-shaped recess 1602 is circumscribed by a beveled ramp1604 extending from sliding surface 1600 to an interior curved wall1606. Similarly, a beveled wall 1608 connects an elongated arcuatequasi-rectangular filtration water recess or via 1610 with surface 1600.Recesses 1602 and 1610 do not penetrate top plate 1512.

[0100]FIG. 17 depicts a top rear plan view of top plate 1512. Flatsemicircular outer surfaces 1700 and 1702 border opposite sides of anH-shaped channel 1704. Flat surfaces 1706 and 1708 are at an equal levelwith respect to flat surfaces 1700 and 1702 to complete the H-shapedchannel 1704. A central cylindrical recess 1710 has a central opening1712 for engagement with cam lever 1508 (see FIG. 15).

[0101]FIG. 18 depicts a bottom rear plan view of bottom plate 1514 (seealso FIG. 15). A flat surface 1800 is pressed in sealing engagementagainst manifold connector plate 1516. A plurality of fixed openings1804, 1806, 1808, and 1810 extend through bottom plate 1514 including ahot water inlet 1804, cold water inlet 1806, cold water to filter outlet1808, and mixed water outlet 1810. A plurality of arcuate walls 1812,1814, 1816 and 1818 rise to connect the corresponding openings 1804,1806, 1808, and 1810 with flat surface 1800 and to fix the bottom plate1514 in position. A plurality of vertical notches 1816, 1818, and 1820are formed in the outer margin of bottom plate 1514 to permit excesswater or leakage to run off from within valve 1500.

[0102]FIG. 19 depicts a top rear plan view of bottom plate 1514. A flatsurface 1900 is covered with silicon-based hydrophobic grease forsealing engagement against flat surface 1600 of top plate 1512 (see alsoFIG. 16). Cold water to filter inlet contains a groove 1902 extendingtowards cold water to filter outlet 1808. Quasi-rectangular filtrationwater via 1610 has sufficient dimensions to bridge the separationdistance 1904 between groove 1902 and cold water to filter outlet 1808.Similarly, the keyhole-shaped recess 1602 (see also FIG. 16) hasdimensions sufficient to bridge hot water inlet 1804 and/or cold waterinlet 1806 with and mixed water outlet 1810 in selectively positionablemanner to provide for the flow of unfiltered hot water, cold water ormixed water through mixed water outlet 1810. The motion of top plate1512 relative to the fixed bottom plate 1514 is constrained to preventthe keyhole-shaped recess 1602 from transferring hot water to filteroutlet 1808.

[0103]FIG. 20 depicts a top plan view of manifold connector plate 1516(see also FIG. 15). Manifold connector plate 1516 presents a flatsurface 2000 proximate surface 1800 of bottom plate 1514 (see also FIG.18). A plurality of apertures 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 extend throughmanifold connector plate 1516 in alignment with the correspondingopenings 1804, 1806, 1808 and 1810 for the passage of water. Forexample, openings 2010 and 1810 provide for the passage of mixed water,and openings 1804 and 2004 provide for the passage of incoming hotwater. A groove 2012 receives a flat elastomeric seal (not depicted inFIG. 20) to prevent the leakage of water between surfaces 2000 and 1800.A similar elastomeric seal (not depicted in FIG. 20) is provided on theopposite side of manifold connector plate 1516. Slots 2016, 2018, and2020 are generally in alignment with channels 1816, 1818 and 1820 toppermit excess water or leakage to exit valve 1500. A plurality of malesnap connector elements 2022 and 2024 interlock with correspondingstructure on main housing 1506. Fixation noses 2026, 2028, 2030, and2031 are used to fix the position of bottom plate 1514 (not depicted inFIG. 20).

[0104] Returning now to FIG. 15, it is seen that the actuator linkageassembly 1504 includes a collar 1518, a pivot holder 1520, and forcetransfer plate 1522. FIG. 21 depicts a bottom front perspective view ofthe collar 1518. Collar 1518 includes a flat bottom wall 2100 having arectangular nose 2102 for engaging corresponding slotted structurewithin main housing 1506 to prevent rotation of collar 1518 relative tohousing 1506. The interior dimension of bottom wall 2100 forms acircular hole 2104 meeting a vertically raised cylindrical wall 2106.

[0105]FIG. 22 provides additional detail with respect to pivot holder1520. A bottom shoulder 2200 contains a pair of parallel extendingrectangular bosses 2202 and 2204. A sliding surface 2206 abuts bottomwall 2100 of collar 1518 (see also FIG. 21). A vertically raisedcylinder 2208 contacts vertically raised sidewall 2106 of collar 1518and is freely rotatable with respect to sidewall 2106. A centralplatform 2210 contains a pair of upwardly raised rotational ears 2212and 2214 on opposite sides of a through opening 2216. A ramp 2218 limitsthe vertical rocking motion of cam lever 1508 (see also FIG. 15) withrespect to pivot holder 1520. Holes 2220 and 2224 have sufficientdimensions to receive pin 1510.

[0106]FIG. 23 provides additional detail with respect to force transferplate 1522. A pair of channels 2300 and 2302 receive the correspondingpair of rectangular bosses 2202 and 2204 (see also FIG. 22) for thetransfer of torsional forces from pivot holder 1520 to top plate 1512.The bottom rectangular protrusions 2304 and 2306 are received within thecorresponding areas of H-shaped channel 1704 in top plate 1512 (see alsoFIG. 17). A descending frustoconical hole 2308 provides continuity abovea corresponding central opening 1712 in top plate 1512 for engagementwith cam lever 1508.

[0107] As depicted in FIG. 15, main housing 1506 contains snap lockingstructure, e.g., snap connector 1524, for interengagement with the snapconnectors 2022 and 2024 of manifold connector 1516. A plurality ofholes, e.g., holes 1528 and 1530, permit the [passage of bolts orcarriage screws to retain the valve 1500 within a faucet housing (notdepicted in FIG. 15). A pair of centrally raised bosses 1532 and 1534limit the horizontal rotational movement of cam lever 1508 relative tomain housing 1506.

[0108] Cam lever 1508 includes a front facing slotted bar 1536 forengagement with a set screw on a faucet handle (not depicted in FIG.15). Cam lever 1508 has a pair of outwardly tapered wings 1538 and 1540and a downwardly extending rocker ball 1542, which is received infrustoconical hole 2308 (see also FIG. 23) to impart sliding motion totop plate 1512 through force transfer plate 1522 by the vertical rockingmotion of cam lever 1508. The pin 1510 is engaged into the hole 1590 andinto the holes 2220 and 2224 to impart rotational motion to top plate1512 through force transfer plate 1522 by the rotational motion of camlever 1508.

[0109]FIG. 24 depicts a midsectional view of an assembled valve 1500.FIG. 24 demonstrates that the vertical rocking motion of cam lever 1508about pin 1510 causes rocker ball 1542 to push top plate 1512 in ahorizontal sliding motion relative to bottom plate 1514. Cam lever 1508has a neutral position 2400 at vertical. As depicted in FIG. 24, camlever 1508 is rocked fully forward along an approximate 12.5° arc toposition 2402 with wing 1540 against abutment 2404. Similarly, cam lever1508 can be rocked fully rearward along an approximate 8° arc toposition 2406 placing wing 1538 against abutment 2408. The correspondingsliding motion of top plate 1512 relative to bottom plate 1514 placesthe plates in selective alignment for the flow of hot, cold, mixed, orfiltered water. The full rearward position corresponds to the maximumvolume of hot, cold or mixed water. The full forward position isrequired before the valve can be selectively positioned to flow filteredwater.

[0110]FIG. 25 depicts a top plan view of the assembled valve 1500.Rotational movement of cam lever 1508 is limited by the abutment of wing1538 against bosses 1532 and 1534. When cam lever 1508 is rocked fullyforward as shown in FIG. 24, it is possible for the bottom surface ofwing 1538 to ride above ramp 2500 to rotational position 2502 for theflow of filtered water with filtration water via 1610 bridging distance1904 (see also FIGS. 16 and 19). Clockwise rotation of cam lever 1508along a 20° arc 2504 diminishes the flow of filtered water towardsposition 2506. At position 2506, there is no flow until the cam lever isrocked rearward to place recess 1602 bridging openings 1804, 1806, and1810 (see also FIGS. 16, 18, and 19).

[0111] Arc 2508 represents a positional flow domain for flowing cold,hot, and mixed unfiltered water. The flow of unfiltered water is purecold water when cam lever 1508 is fully rearward at position 2506 and ismixed water as cam lever 1508 is rotated clockwise from position 2506along 80° arc 2508 towards position 2510. The flow of water at position2510 is pure hot water. This arrangement provides safety by assuringthat the flow of filtered water corners only from a position of camlever 1508 that is rocked fully forward and rotated far to the right.The filter is protected from exposure to hot water because it isimpossible to flow hot water to the filter. The volumetric rate of waterflow is adjusted by rocking wing 1540 down to decrease the rate of waterflow and by rocking wing 1540 up to increase water flow. Arc 2504represents a positional domain for the flow of filtered cold wateralone, and is merely an extension of the cold water point 2506 of mixedwater arc 2508. However, the volumetric rate of flow on arc 2504 is notadjusted by rocking wing 1540 up and down because this rocking motion islimited by the contact between wing 1538 and ramp 2500. The volumetricrate of water flow on arc 2504 is adjusted by the rotational position ofwing 1538 relative to ramp 2500.

[0112] A compression spring detent assembly 2512 atop ramp 2500 engageswing 1538 along arc 2504 to provide an initial resistance or bump ofwing 1538 is rotated into ramp 2500. This initial resistance is overcomeas the spring detent assembly is compressed with the result of havingwing 1538 fully rotated to a flowing position. This assures thatfiltered water is flowing to its full design capacity. Users maysubsequently reduce the flow rate by rotating wing 1540 towards position2506 depending upon use-specific volumetric demands in the intendedenvironment of use.

[0113]FIG. 26 depicts a manifold assembly 2600 that is used to dispensewater from valve 1500. An externally threaded tube 2602 is used toanchor the assembly in a sink deck (not depicted in FIG. 26). Acylindrical exterior housing 2604 contains fixed manifold components2606 and a slot 2608 permitting the passage of an flexible filteredwater spout 2610. Manifold components are affixed to tube 2602, whileexterior housing 2604 is free to rotate in axially centered motionrelative to manifold components 2606.

[0114]FIG. 27 depicts an assembly view of the manifold components 2606.A top disk 2700 contains a plurality of holes 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710corresponding to apertures 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010 in manifoldconnector plate 1516 for the flow of cold water, cold water to filter,hot water, and mixed water. For example, openings 2710, 2010 and 1810provide for the passage of mixed water, and openings 2704, 1804 and 2004provide for the passage of incoming hot water. Holes 2728, 2730, and2790 receive bolts to attach valve 1500 to top disk 2700. A narrowcylindrical section 2732 is adhered to and received within middlesection 2740.

[0115] Middle section 2740 contains a cylindrical outer wall 2742. Theinterior of middle section 2740 contains a plurality of holes 2744,2746, 2748, and 2750 in alignment with holes 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710for the passage of hot water, cold water, cold water to filter and mixedwater. A triangular slot 2752 with notch 2754 is formed into outer wall2742. A channel 2756 circumscribes outer wall 2742 for the receipt of anO-ring seal (not depicted in FIG. 27). A flat elastomeric seal (notdepicted in FIG. 27) is poisoned within recess 2757 to seal against thebottom face of narrowed cylindrical portion 2732.

[0116] A bottom disc 2760 contains a plurality of holes 2764, 2766,2768, and 2770 corresponding to holes 2704, 2706, 2708, and 2710 for thepassage of hot water, cold water, cold water to filter and mixed water.Hole 2772 receives water from the filter and supplies the same to angledT connector 2774. Hole 2774 is used to supply filtered water outlet.Holes 2764, 2766, 2768, 2770, 2772 and 2774 have corresponding threadednipple structure (not depicted in FIG. 27) to facilitate connection totubing in a conventional manner. A channel 2776 receives an O-ring seal(not depicted in FIG. 27) for sealing engagement against the interiorsurfaces of housing 2604 (see also FIG. 26).

[0117]FIG. 28 is a midsectional view providing additional detail withrespect to the assembled manifold assembly 2600. An external faucetspout 2800 circumscribes filtered water spout 2610 and is affixed toexterior housing 2604 to provide annular passage 2802 communicating witha conventional aerator outlet 2804, which is used to dispense unfilteredwater. Flexible filtered water spout 2610 discharges through a separatedischarge opening 2806 that is threadably coupled with an elbow 2808,which is coupled with filtered water spout 2610. An O-ring 2810 sealselbow 2808 against external faucet spout 2800 to block passage 2802. Aconventional diverter valve assembly 2812 is operably configured toreceive mixed water from hole 2710 (see FIG. 27) and to divert thiswater to either annular passage 2802 or to a vegetable sprayer (notdepicted in FIG. 28) depending upon the selective actuation of thevegetable sprayer in a conventional manner of operation for divertervalves of this type known to those skilled in the art.

[0118] The discharge opening 2806 is configured to discharge a downwardstream of water at an angle β relative to the discharge axis of outlet2804. This angle β throws the filtered water forward a sufficientdistance to prevent the commingling of filtered water from dischargeopening 2806 and unfiltered water from outlet 2804. The angle βpreferably ranges from five degrees to twenty degrees, and is morepreferably about least fifteen degrees. It is especially important toprevent commingling of water in this manner where the filtration andpurification processes have antimicrobial or antiviral applications.

[0119] A rounded end cap 2814 covers end opening 2816 in the externalfaucet spout 2800. End cap 2814 snaps into place over end opening 2816by the action of a plurality of flexible barbed fingers, e.g., fingers2818 and 2820, upon a corresponding internal rim 2822 on the interior ofexternal faucet spout 2800.

[0120]FIG. 29 depicts a first preferred embodiment for a filter end oflife indicator assembly 2900 that can be installed within end opening2816 of external faucet spout 2800. A flow control assembly 2902includes an elastomeric disk 2904 having a concave face 2906 proximate arigid disk 2908. Elastomeric disk 2904 is operably configured to deformunder the influence of pressure within filtered water spout 2610. Thisdeformation under increasing pressure moves concave face 2906 closer torigid disk 2908, thereby narrowing the crossectional area of aperture2910 for the purpose of restricting the flow rate under increasingpressure to provide a substantially constant or linear rate of flowwithin an operable range of pressures. Water passes through hole 2912and into Y-connector 2914.

[0121] Y-connector 2902 contains a pinned spring 2916, which is loadedin tension to bias plunger 2918 towards flow control assembly 2902. Afirst passage 2920 leads to filtered water discharge opening 2922, whichthreadably connects with passage 2920. A second passage 2924 permitsplunger 2918 to contact a reed switch 2926. Reed switch 2926 is bondedto second passage 2924 to form a watertight seal. Reed switch 2924 is inelectrical contact with an electronic means such as printed circuitboard 2928, which contains a processor, clock, memory, and associatedcircuitry as required to accumulate volumes of filtered water and tracktime, as explained below in further detail. An elastomeric batteryholder 2940 is provided to hold a replaceable battery 2930 within space2931, in order to power the circuit board 2928 while preventing externalwater from invading the filter end of life indicator assembly 2900. Aliquid crystal display 2934 is driven by circuit board 2928, and isvisible through a transparent window 2934 in end cap 2936.

[0122] The battery holder 2940 has a sealed front end 2942 and anovaloid outer wall 2944 that defined an interior cavity 2946corresponding roughly in diameter to the diameter of battery 2930. AV-shaped bevel 2948 is formed in the distal end of battery holder 2942proximate space 2931 to occupy more than 180° in of the circumference ofbattery 2930 when the assembly including battery holder 2940 and battery2930 are inserted into space 2931. A flexible shoulder 2950circumscribes outer wall 2944 to prevent over-insertion of batteryholder 2940 into space 2931. A tab 2952 extends from shoulder 2950 tofacilitate easy removal of the battery holder 2940 and battery 2930after they are together inserted into space 2931.

[0123] In operation, the action of water upon plunger 2918 drivesplunger into reed switch 2926. The closing of reed switch 2926 causescircuit board 2928 to begin tracking time. Circuit board 2928 convertsthis time into a volume of flow by multiplying the time by thesubstantially constant rate of flow that is provided by the action offlow control assembly 2902. Circuit board 2928 then causes a cumulativevolume of flow to be displayed on LCD 2934. Circuit board 2928 may causeother information to be displayed on LCD 2934, including the remaininglife of a filter in terms of volume or projected days of remaining lifebased upon historical consumption patterns. A reset button 2938 can bedepressed to reset the accumulated flow volume that is stored in circuitboard 2928. Additional detail with respect to this process of trackingtime and volume is provided in FIG. 29, as well as the discussion below.

[0124]FIG. 30 depicts a midsectional view of a modified escutcheonmounted filter assembly 3000 that can be used in place of the filtrationassembly depicted in FIG. 10. A filtration body sleeve 3002 contains afilter core body 3004. A sliding collet assembly 3006 retains filtrationbody sleeve 3002 in fixed position with respect to escutcheon plate3008. Escutcheon plate 3008 may be identical to the device shown in FIG.2, where filtration body sleeve 3002 may be placed in escutcheon 114 orequivalent structures. A specialized end piece assembly 3010 providesfor the transfer of water through filter core body 3004 in a radiallyinboard direction. Thus, filter assembly 3000 does not require featuresshown on FIG. 2 including water outlet orifice 224 and water inletorifice 226. These orifices are replaced by end piece assembly 3010.

[0125] The filtration body sleeve 3002 is a hollow tube that issealingly coupled with a female threaded cap 3012 and end piece assembly3010. A decorative ornamental top piece 3014 covers the female threadedcap 3012. An outboard radial rib 3016 circumscribes filtration bodysleeve 3002 proximate female threaded cap 3012.

[0126] Filter core body 3004 includes a permeable semi-rigid filter tube3011 that is constructed of filter material. The filter material can bepaper or a purely mechanical filtration material, but it is preferred toembed the filtration material with a chemical treatment means. Thischemical treatment means can include a chemical scrubber, such asactivated carbon or KDF™ material. The chemical treatment means can alsoinclude a biocide, such as a halogenated quaternary amine. Thesechemical treatment means may be mixed with or bound to a plastic matrixfor support, e.g., a polyethylene matrix, which functions as amechanical filter. The interior portion 3017 of filter core body 3004may be packed with additional chemical treatment means, such as a watersoftening agent in the form of a hexametaphosphate or tribasic potassiumphosphate, and a pH buffer or flavoring agent, e.g., calcium carbonate.Filter core body 3004 is glued or inertia welded at opposite ends to amale nipple 3018 and a male threaded cap 3019.

[0127] Sliding collet assembly 3006 is formed in two tubular piecesincluding a lower piece 3020 and an upper piece 3022. Lower piece 3020includes a radially outboard shoulder 3024 and a male threaded top 3026.The male threaded top 3026 is formed in a plurality of flexiblesections, e.g., section 3028, that each curve inward towards rib 3016 offiltration body sleeve 3002. Upper piece 3022 has a lower femalethreaded end 3030 and an upper radially outboard shoulder 3032 forengaging escutcheon plate 3008.

[0128] End piece assembly 3010 includes a pair of O-ring seals 3034 and3036 together with a crimp groove 3038 for coupling end piece assembly3010 with filtration body sleeve 3002. A central female boss 3040receives and sealingly engages male nipple 3018. Boss 3040 iscircumscribed by a spring 3042 that places a small compressive load onmale nipple 3018 and filter core body 3004 sufficient to lift the freeweight of the assembly connected to filter core body 3004. A filtrationwater inlet 3043 is couples with tube 3044 and connector 3046, which isconnected to a source of filtration water, e.g., filtration water outlet1808 of valve 1500. Filtration water inlet 3043 discharges water intothe annular space 3048 between filtration body sleeve 3002 and filtertube 3011. Water flows across filter tube 3011 into the interior space3017, and enters filtered water outlet 3050 through male nipple 3018.The filtered water travels through tube 3052 and connector 3054, whichis operably connected by any means to provide filtered water to adischarge for filtered water, e.g., filtered water spout 2610.

[0129] In operation, assembly filters water on a demand basis by theactuation of handle 112 (see FIG. 1). Once filter core body 3004 hasreached the end of its useful life, it is renewed or replaced by pryingaway the decorative ornamental top piece 3014 and twisting male threadedcap 3019 to unscrew it from sealing engagement with female threaded cap3012. Filter core body 3004 rises with this unscrewing action under thebias of spring 3042 as male nipple 3018 unseats from female boss 3040. Anew filter core body 3004 is installed by inserting the filter core bodyinto filtration body sleeve 3002 and twisting in the reverse directionuntil the assembly reaches the configuration shown in FIG. 30.

[0130] It will b appreciated that the features of FIGS. 30 and 32including the bottom connection of tubes 3044 and 3052 in end pieceassembly 3010 permits a wide angle of mounting options. In comparison tothe tubes 302 and 304 shown in FIG. 3, the bottom mounting of tubes 3044and 3052 permits mounting of the filter assembly attached to filtrationbody sleeve 3002 at any remote site. For example, this concept makespossible the fourth hole mount of assembly 1300, which is separate fromthe housing 106 (see FIG. 2). The assembly attached to filtration bodysleeve 3002 may also be mounted on a retaining device completely belowthe sink deck or in a cabinet underneath a sink, or tubing may conveywater for filtration into a separate room where several filters may bemaintained at one time, e.g., in hospital settings or group homes.

[0131]FIG. 31 provides additional detail with respect to sliding colletassembly 3006. Lower piece 3020 contains a plurality of innerstabilizers, e.g., stabilizers 3100 and 3102 having an inner diameterapproximating the regular outer diameter of filtration body sleeve 3002(see also FIG. 30). Indicia 3104 and 3106 provide a directionalorientation for the installation of sliding collet assembly 3006, whichis installed from the bottom of filtration body sleeve 3002. Upper piece3022 is then screwed onto male threaded top 3026 until lower end 3106engages shoulder 3024. This action permits, the top of female threadedend 3030 to pass beneath the top of the flexible sections, e.g., section3028. In this configuration, the flexible sections are free to expand ina radially outboard direction as they open to accommodate rib 3016 whilecollet assembly 3006 is raised along the exterior of filtration bodysleeve 3002. Upper piece 3022 is then rotated relative to lower piece3020 for the purpose of raising shoulder 3032 into engagement withescutcheon plate 3008 while driving selected portions of the flexiblesections, e.g., section 3028, having radially inboard structure forcomplimentary engagement with rib 3016 into engagement with the same.This arrangement places a compressive load on collet assembly 3006 and acorresponding tensile load on filtration body sleeve 3002, thus, lockingfiltration body sleeve 3002 into a fixed position with respect toescutcheon plate 3008.

[0132] The outer wall 3108 is provided with a plurality of grippingsurfaces, e.g., gripping surfaces 3110 and 3112. The surfaces are shownas truncated pyramidal structures, but may also be any other shape thatprovides resistance for gripping, e.g., ovaloid or rectangularprotrusions, as well as recesses or grooves. Similarly, exteriorgripping structures ribs such as rib 3114 may be added to lower piece3020 to assist in rotation.

[0133]FIG. 32 depicts a midsectional view of another modified escutcheonmounted filter assembly 3200 that can be used in place of the filtrationassemblies which are depicted in FIGS. 10 and 30. In FIG. 32, likenumbering of identical elements has been retained with respect to FIG.30. Differences between the filter assembly 3200 and the filter assembly3000 include the addition of an optional interior core assembly 3202, aswell as an interlocking assembly 3203 that provides interengagementbetween a filter body cap 3204 and a snapping cap cover 3206 to preventunintentional counterclockwise outrotation. Additional differencesinclude the provision of an end nipple 3208 having interior flow controlstructure that can replace or supplement the flow control assembly 2902,which is shown in FIG. 29, and a hollow interior tube 3210.

[0134] The hollow interior tube 3210 is fixedly mounted inside acylindrical filter core 3212. An interior plenum 3214 separates hollowtube 3210 from the cylindrical filter core 3212, which is preferablymade of resin-bound activated carbon. Hollow tube 3210 has a pluralityof upper perforations 3216 leading to an interior sequence of stackedbeds A, B, and C. These beds may contain any material for the treatmentand purification of water, e.g., a microfilter, a bundle ofultrafiltration capillary tubes, devices, calcium carbonate, KDF, orhexametaphosphates. Thus, water flows radially inboard through thecylindrical filter core 3212, up interior plenum 3214 away from endnipple 3208, into perforations 3216, and sequentially through stackedbeds A, B, and C for discharge through end nipple 3208. There may be anynumber of stacked beds A, B, and C, or materials for these beds may beintermixed into a single combined bed.

[0135]FIG. 33 provides additional detail with respect to theinterlocking assembly 3203. The filtration body sleeve 3002 has a crimp3300 that binds the filtration body sleeve 3202 with interiorly threadedsleeve cap 3302 having inboard threads 3304. The filter body cap 3204has corresponding outboard threads 3306 engaging the inboard threads3304. An O-ring seal 3308 resides in channel 3310 to seal against thefiltration body sleeve 3002. An adhesive sealant 3312 bonds thecylindrical filter core 3212 to filter body cap 3204 with the assistanceof an axial alignment plug 3312. A tensile shoulder 3314 prevents thesleeve cap 3302 from being pulled through the escutcheon 1312.

[0136]FIG. 34 depicts the filter body cap 3204 partially rotated intothe sleeve cap 3302. As the filter cartridge (or replacement filtercartridge) is almost nearly fully inserted into the filter housing,wedge 3402 contacts the upper rim of sleeve cap 3302 to offer resistanceagainst rotation, which resistance must be overcome by the applicationof additional force until the wedge 3402 is fully rotated into recess3406 to provide a positive lock at the point of full inward rotation.The point of full inward rotation is illustrated by line 3408 torepresent the top of cap 3204 at full insertion. Similarly, the lockingassembly 3400 provides for a difficult initial outrotation followed byeasier outrotation indicating a loss of the positive lock.

[0137]FIG. 35 depicts features that are used in a second lockingmechanism. Filter body cap 3204 and sleeve cap 3302 have mutuallyaligned concave recesses 3500 and 3502 at the point of full inrotationshown in FIG. 34. A raised rectangular boss 3504 is present on thesleeve cap 3302. While FIG. 35 is a front view, an identical set ofconcave recesses (not depicted in FIG. 35) are present at the rear. Capcover 3206 is shown from a midsectional view. The axial wall 3506 of capcover 3206 contains a plurality of vertical or axial ribs 3508 thatprotrude radially inward and function to keep cap cover aligned withsleeve cap 3302 while helping to prevent undesirable rocking or wobblingmotion of cap cover 3206 relative to sleeve cap 3302. An inwardly raisedlocking channel lug 3510 has a lower lip 3512. Cap cover 3206 contains apair of opposed locking channel lugs 3510 that protrude into the concaverecesses 3500 and 3502 to prevent outrotation of filter body cap 3204when cap cover 3206 is fully installed on sleeve cap 3302 in thedirection of arrow 3514. The lower lips 3512 snap beneath theircorresponding rectangular bosses 3502 to provide resistance against thesubsequent removal of cap cover 3206. Arcuate recesses 3514 and 3516 maybe engaged by a tool that is preferably designed for correspondingengagement and rotational motion of body cap 3204 relative to sleeve cap3302.

[0138]FIG. 36 is a midsectional view providing greater detail withregard to end nipple 3208. In FIG. 36, like numbering of identical partshas been retained with respect to FIG. 32. Adhesive 3600 bonds endnipple 3208 to filter core 3212. A central male member 3602 is coaxiallyaligned with a corresponding female receptor 3604 in the end pieceassembly 3010. Male member 3602 is circumscribed by a channel 3606 thatcontains an O-ring seal 3608 isolating a supply side 3610 from adischarge side 3612 of end piece assembly 3010. The female receptor 3604is provided with an inwardly beveled ramp 3616, which is used to guidethe O-ring seal 3606 to a central position during installation. Theupper portion of male member 3602 opens to receive a flow controlassembly 3618 including an elastomeric disk 3620 having a concave face3622 proximate a rigid shoulder tube 3624. Elastomeric disk 3620 has acentral opening 3623 and is operably configured to deform under theinfluence of pressure and regulate flow according to the same principlesof operation as does flow control assembly 2902. Flow control assembly3618 may be used in place of flow control assembly 2902, and theadvantage to using flow control assembly 3618 is that flow controlassembly is replaced every time the filter core 3212 is replaced. Acheck valve 3626, e.g., a flapper valve, is preferably installed withinthe female receptor 3604 to prevent reverse flow of water.

[0139] The filter core 3212 has unique dimensions permitting it to dropinto the filtration body sleeve 3002, which, in turn, is able to fitthrough a conventional hole in a sink deck. The length to diameter ratioof the filter core preferably ranges from 8:1 to 12:1, wherein the mostpreferred ratio in the case of activated carbon material is 10:1. Thelength of the filter may be increased or decreased, as needed, to permitthe water that is undergoing filtration and purification sufficientresidence time for those purposes.

[0140] A significant advantage of the interaction between the end cap3602 and end piece assembly 3010, as shown in FIG. 36, is that thefilter core 3212 is not placed under a significant compressive load inconditions of normal use. Other sealing mechanisms include knife-edgeseals that would contact filter core 3212 in the areas of adhesives 3600and 3312. These seals weaken with time due to repetitiverepressurizations, temperature variations, and plastic creep. Thesealing forces on O-rings 3608 and 3310 are normal to the axis of filtercore 3212, as opposed to a sealing force that is parallel to the axis,and the resultant seal is much more durable.

[0141] The flow control assemblies 2902 and 3618 are each designed tomaintain a constant rate of flow of about three quarters of a gallon ofwater per minute at all pressures that may be encountered in theintended environment of use, e.g. from fifty psi to two hundred psi.Each of these assemblies is operably positioned to regulate all flow offiltered water that goes to the end of life indicator assembly 2900.Thus, the volumetric flow of filtered water may be accumulated bycircuit board 2928 (see FIG. 29) using the time integration of flow atthe constant rate that the flow control assemblies provide.

[0142]FIG. 37 is a process schematic diagram demonstrating the operationprocess P3700 of an electronic means such as a microchip or a circuitboard 2928, which is shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 39 described below. Thecircuit board 2928 is preferably programmed to select a specified filterdesign lifetime in step P3702 according to design limits for the filter,e.g., ninety days. This specified lifetime may be based upon controllingparameters, e.g., seal life or laboratory factors showing bacterialgrowth in a particular filtration medium over time. The remaining designlifetime is calculated as the difference between the specified filterdesign lifetime and the elapsed time since replacement of the filter. Aplurality of external buttons or a computer interface (not depicted) maybe provided to select an environment of use, e.g., city water or wellwater, or the design life may be sensed electronically from the filteraccording to an embedded microchip (not depicted).

[0143] In step P3704, the printed circuit board 2928 accumulateshistorical volumetric consumption on the basis of timed flow at aspecified constant rate (e.g., three quarters of a gallon per minute) toarrive at an accumulated total volume of filtered water, and in stepP3706 subtracts the accumulated total volume of filtered water from aspecified volumetric design life of the filter, e.g., 250 gallons, toarrive at a remaining volumetric filter life. The rate of consumption offiltered water is also tracked over an interval of time, e.g., the mostrecent three days or five days. This rate of consumption is projectedforward in step P3708 by dividing the rate of consumption into theremaining volumetric filter life, e.g., 250 gallons less the accumulatedflow volume, in order to determine a remaining filter life in timeunits. Step P3710 entails determining whether the remaining specifiedfilter life (e.g. of ninety days minus the number of days elapsed sincefirst use or replacement of the filter) is lesser than the projectedtime that remains for complete use of the volumetric design life basedupon recent historical consumption patterns. For example, the remainingvolumetric filter life from step P3706 may be subtracted from theremaining time for filter expiration, as calculated in step P3702. Ifthe result of this calculation is negative, then process P3700 proceedsto step P3712. If the result is positive then the process advances tostep P3714. The display on LCD 2934 is, accordingly, a value equal tothe lesser of the remaining filter life in days pursuant to the designspecified filter life (step P3712) or the projected filter life (stepP3714). Remaining life in terms of volume may also be displayed.Additional alphanumeric displays of information may also be presented onthe LCD 2934, e.g., a percentage of remaining filter volume according toa volumetric design specification, a percentage of consumption accordingto this life, or a warning that filter maintenance may be desirable.Other displays, e.g., a red, amber and green system of lights, may beused in place of an LCD, but the LCD is preferred for its ability todisplay alphanumeric information. The alphanumeric display may be incolor as well.

[0144]FIG. 38 is a top plan view of handle 112 (see FIG. 1) show with ahorizontal range of motion that is defined by the five way valve 1500(see FIGS. 15 and 25). This range of motion extends in acounterclockwise direction across arc 2508 a, which corresponds to ahorizontal domain where the mixed water feels hotter to the touch butgrows cooler towards point 3800, which is a neutral point where warmmixed water is flowing. Arc 2508 b is a second horizontal domain inwhich water continues to flow colder in a counterclockwise direction ofrotation for handle 112 until point 2506 is reached where the valve 1500is essentially flowing cold water. At any point on arcs 2508 a and 2508b, handle 112 may be pivoted or rocked up or down generally in thevertical domain, as illustrated by double headed arrow 3802. Pivotingthe handle 112 upward causes the volumetric rate of flow for the waterthrough valve 1500 to increase. Pivoting the handle 112 downward causesthe rate to decrease until flow entirely ceases.

[0145] In the preferred embodiment, handle 112 cannot be pivoted up ordown once it rotates past point 2506 and into arc 2504, which is yet athird horizontal domain. Pivoting motion is here prevented by ramp 2500(see FIG. 25). In the domain of arc 2508 b, handle 112 must be fullypivoted downward to cease flow of unfiltered water before handle 112 canbe rotated into arc 2504. An initial resistance is preferably felt uponthe entry of handle 112 into arc 2504, due to the action of the springdetent assembly 2512 (shown in FIG. 25). The initial resistance must beovercome in order for the user to urge the handle 112 to rotate fullythrough arc 2504 towards position 2502 where the valve 1500 is fullyopen and the volumetric rate of flow for filtered water is at apredetermined maximum value, e.g., three quarters of a gallon perminute. Handle 112 may be rotated clockwise towards point 2506 to reducethe volumetric flow of water as selectively required in the intendedenvironment of use, or the handle 112 may be rotated counterclockwisefrom point 2506 towards point 2502 until a desired rate of filteredwater flow is achieved. This rate of filtered water flow may be lessthan the maximum flow rate corresponding to position 2502.

[0146]FIG. 39 depicts a second preferred embodiment of an end of lifeindicator assembly 3900. In FIG. 39, like numbering of identicalcomponents has been retained with respect to FIG. 29. The end of lifeindicator assembly 3900 includes a cylindrical plunger housing body 3902having one or more flow openings 3904. A tensile spring 3906 resides inthe plunger housing body 3902 proximally to flow openings 3904 and ismounted in a first cavity portion 3907 to retract an axially alignedplunger or piston 3908. A shoulder flange 3910 on the piston 3908 sealsagainst a second cavity portion 3911 of the plunger housing 3902 in sucha manner as to cause piston 3908 to advance upon passage of watertherethrough, due to the positioning of handle 112 in the domain of arc2504 (shown in FIG. 38), against the force of tensile spring 3906wherein the pressurized filtered water enters through the flow openings3904 until shoulder flange 3910 advances into third cavity portion 3912.Stabilizers 3914 and 3916 may be provided to keep the piston 3908axially aligned within chamber 3910, which is in fluidic communicationwith the filtered water discharge nozzle 2922 for the discharge offiltered water concomitant with the forward motion of piston 3908.

[0147] The forward motion of piston 3908 brings a magnetic nose 3918proximate a magnetically actuated sensor, such as a reed switch 3920.The reed switch 3920, when magnetically actuated by proximity to orcontact with magnetic nose 3918, activates the circuit board 2928 forthe accumulation of volumetric flow information and operation accordingto FIG. 37. The LCD 2932 is visible through a translucent or semi-opaquewindow 3922.

[0148] The electronic means 3926, which preferably includes the printedcircuit board 2928, battery 2930, battery holder 2940, display 2932,display window 3922 and reed switch 3920, may be removed from the end ofthe faucet spout by unscrewing the filtered water discharge nozzle 2922,removing the same, and pulling the sleeve 3924 in which the electronicmeans are disposed forward in the direction of arrow 3928. The sleeve3924 at least partially surrounds the forward end of the plunger housingbody 3902, and includes an elastomeric portion 3930 at least partiallysurrounding the electronic means 3926 to seals against the entry ofwater or other contaminants into the electronics area. The plungerhousing body 3902, piston 3908, spring 3906, and end cover on the distalend of the plunger housing body 3902 remain in place while theelectronics may be removed and replaced. An end cover 3932 together withO-ring seals 3934, 3936 and 3938 isolate the electronic means 3926 fromwater.

[0149] An electrical contact mechanism 3940 is used to reset the circuitboard 2928, e.g., as by stored resetting time and accumulated volumevalues stored therein) and FIG. 40 provides additional detail withrespect to the contact mechanism 3940. The assembled battery 2930 andbattery holder 2940 are retained in such a manner as to make contactbetween battery 2930 and electrical contact 4000. Thus, printed circuit2928 is in electrical communication with battery 2930 through electricalcontact 4000. Battery 2930 is driven to touch an insulative step 4002,e.g., an O-ring, by force that is place upon the nose 2942 of batteryholder 2940, as by a user touching nose 2942 for the purpose ofresetting the stored values in circuit board 2928. The resultant forwardmotion of battery 2928 causes battery 2928 to ride up onto theinsulative step 4002 in the direction of arrow 4006, which breaks thecontact between the battery 2930 and the electrical contact 4000, asshown in FIG. 41. The break in electrical contact causes the circuitboard 2928 to erase its stored memory and return to an initializedsetting, such as zero accumulated volume and a specified initial filterdesign lifetime.

[0150] The battery holder 2940 (also shown in FIG. 29) is preferablyformed of an electrically insulative material, such as rubber or arubber-like elastomer. The battery holder 2940 is preferably V-shaped soas to cup the battery and leave less than 180° of the battery peripheryexposed to hold the battery 2930 securely therein. The battery holder2940 is deformable so as to allow the user to insert and remove thebattery. 2930 The battery holder 2940 also helps form a protective sealat shoulder 2950 against external moisture to protect the interiorelectronic means. The exterior wall 2944 of the battery holder ispreferably flexible enough to permit a user to depress and deform thebattery holder 2940 inwardly (such as with the assistance of a pen) tomove the battery inwardly in the direction of arrow 4006. As the battery2930 moves inwardly, the distal exposed edge of the battery rides up onthe electrically insulative and preferably elastic step 4002 causing thebattery 2930 to move out of touch with the electronic means therebyinterrupting the supply of power thereto and causing the electronicmeans to reset. When the user releases pressure against the batteryholder 2940, the battery 2930 returns in the direction of arrow 4100under bias from the elastomeric outer wall 2944 towards its original ornormal position, as shown in FIG. 40, to reestablish electrical contact.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will understand that the preferredembodiments described above may be subjected to apparent modificationswithout departing from the true scope and spirit of the invention. Theinventors, accordingly, hereby state their intention to rely upon theDoctrine of Equivalents, in order to protect their full rights in theinvention.

1. A filtration cartridge comprising: a filter core having a first endand a second end, said filter core presenting an elongated axis ofsymmetry; a threaded cap bonded to said first end; and an end nipplebonded to said second end, each of said threaded cap and said end nipplehaving a radially outboard O-ring seal mounted on said threaded cap andsaid end nipple to place respective radially inboard sealing forces onsaid threaded cap and said end nipple in an intended environment of use,said radially inboard sealing forces being normal to said elongated axisof symmetry.
 2. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid filter core is a tubular member having an interior core opening. 3.The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 2 including a flowcontrol assembly in direct communication with said interior coreopening.
 4. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 3 whereinsaid flow control assembly includes a flexible disk having a centralopening.
 5. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 4 whereinsaid central opening is in coaxial alignment with said end nipple andsaid interior core opening.
 6. The filtration cartridge as set forth inclaim 2 wherein said interior core opening contains a linear bed offluid treating material.
 7. The filtration cartridge as set forth inclaim 2 including a hollow tube within said interior core opening, saidhollow tube containing a linear path of fluid treating material.
 8. Thefiltration cartridge as set forth in claim 7 wherein said linear pathcomprises an ultrafiltration bundle.
 9. The filtration cartridge as setforth in claim 7 wherein said linear path comprises a series of stackedbeds of water treating agents.
 10. The filtration cartridge as set forthin claim 7 wherein said hollow tube is set back from said filter core asufficient distance to form an interior core plenum separating saidhollow tube from said filter core.
 11. The filtration cartridge as setforth in claim 10, said hollow tube having perforations remote from saidend nipple, said end nipple being operably configured as an outlet, topermit radially inboard flow of fluid through said filter core into saidinterior core plenum with subsequent flow through said interior coreplenum being away from said end nipple prior to entry of flow into saidhollow tube.
 12. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 1wherein said threaded cap has at least one concave surface providingmeans for interengagement with a counter rotation device.
 13. Thefiltration cartridge as set forth in claim 1 wherein said threaded caphas a downwardly raised deformable bump for use as a counter rotationdevice.
 14. A filtration cartridge comprising: a filter core having afirst end and a second end, said filter core having an interior coreopening and presenting an elongated axis of symmetry; a threaded capbonded to said first end; an end nipple bonded to said second end; and aflow control assembly in direct communication with said interior coreopening.
 15. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 14 whereinsaid flow control assembly includes a flexible disk having a centralopening aligned with said elongated axis of symmetry.
 16. The filtrationcartridge as set forth in claim 15 wherein said central opening ismounted in said end nipple in alignment with said interior core opening.17. A filtration cartridge comprising: a filter core having a first endand a second end, said filter core having an interior core opening andpresenting an elongated axis of symmetry; a cap bonded to said firstend; an end nipple bonded to said second end; and a hollow tube withinsaid interior core opening, said hollow tube containing a linear path offluid treating material.
 18. The filtration cartridge as set forth inclaim 17 wherein said linear path comprises an ultrafiltration bundle.19. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 17 wherein saidlinear path comprises a series of stacked beds of water treating agents.20. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 17 wherein saidhollow tube is set back from said filter core a sufficient distance toform an interior core plenum separating said hollow tube from saidfilter core.
 22. The filtration cartridge as set forth in claim 20, saidhollow tube having perforations remote from said end nipple, said endnipple being operably configured as an outlet, to permit radiallyinboard flow of fluid through said filter core into said interior coreplenum with subsequent flow through said interior core plenum being awayfrom said end nipple prior to entry of flow into said hollow tube.
 23. Afiltration cartridge comprising: a filter core having a first end and asecond end, said filter core having an interior core opening andpresenting an elongated axis of symmetry; a cap bonded to said firstend; and an end nipple bonded to said second end, said threaded caphaving at least one concave surface providing means for interengagementwith a counter rotation device.
 24. The filtration cartridge as setforth in claim 23 wherein said threaded cap has a downwardly raiseddeformable bump for use as a counter rotation device.
 25. The filtrationcartridge as set forth in claim 23 including a second concave surfacepositioned across from said at least one concave surface.
 26. A counterrotation assembly comprising: a threaded cap having a first recessproviding means for interengagement with a counter rotation cap; acorrespondingly threaded receptacle for said threaded cap, saidcorrespondingly threaded receptacle having a second recess in axialalignment with said first recess when said threaded cap is fully rotatedinto said correspondingly threaded receptacle; and a counter rotationcap having an axial wall and a radially inboard locking lug configuredfor receipt in said first recess and said second recess when saidthreaded cap is fully rotated into said correspondingly threadedreceptacle.
 27. The counter rotation assembly as set forth in claim 26wherein said locking lug has a lower lip and said a correspondinglythreaded receptacle having a boss for engaging said lower lip proximatesaid second recess to retain said counter rotation cap on said counterrotation assembly.
 28. A five way valve including comprising: a housing;a pair of plates including a first plate shiftable with respect to asecond plate; said pair of plates, in combination, providing means forselective alignment permitting passage of cold water for discharge, coldwater to filter, mixed water for discharge, and hot water for discharge,corresponding to selective positioning of said plates; said selectivepositioning of said plates being such that there is a mixed waterrotational domain extending from a hot water position to a cold waterposition, and a filtered water rotational domain as an extension of saidmixed water domain towards said cold water position; means for supplyingcold water to said pair of plates; and means for supplying hot water tosaid pair of plates.
 29. The five way valve as set forth in claim 28including means for preventing simultaneous flow of filtered andunfiltered water.
 30. The five way valve as set forth in claim 28including means for providing an initial resistance upon entry into saidfiltered water rotational domain.
 31. The five way valve as set forth inclaim 28 wherein said means for providing an initial resistance is aspring detent assembly.
 32. The five way valve as set forth in claim 28wherein said extension of said mixed water domain towards said coldwater position is in a counterclockwise direction of rotation.
 33. Afaucet for use in dispensing filtered water comprising: a first pathwayfor dispensing unfiltered water from a first outlet; a second pathwayfor dispensing filtered water from a second outlet, said second pathwaybeing separate from said first pathway to prevent commingling offiltered and unfiltered water; said second outlet being forward of saidfirst outlet and inclined to discharge filtered water on an axis rotatedat least five degrees from a discharge axis of said first outlet.
 34. Aflow metering assembly comprising: a mechanically actuated device; asensor configured to provide a signal responsive to actuation of saidmechanically actuated device by flow of a fluid in direct contact withsaid mechanically actuated device, said signal indicating that flow isoccurring; means for accumulating volumetric flow information for saidfluid by time integration of said signal over an assumed constant rateof flow; and a flow control assembly providing a substantially constantrate of flow corresponding to said assumed constant rate of flow whensaid fluid is flowing through said flow metering assembly.
 35. The flowmetering assembly as set forth in claim 33 wherein said flow controlassembly resides in a filter cartridge and is operably positioned toregulate all flow of filtered fluid from said filter to said sensor. 36.A filter end of life indicator assembly comprising: a filter having avolumetric design life and a time duration design life; a volumeaccumulation circuit used to totalize flow through said filter andprovide corresponding accumulated total volum values; a time circuitconfigured to track elapsed time since renewal of said filter andprovide corresponding accumulated time values; a processor configured tocompare said accumulated volume against said volumetric design life andproject a remaining time value life of said filter based upon historicalconsumption rates; said processor also being configured to select avalue as the lesser of remaining time duration design life of saidfilter and a remaining time value life of said filter based uponhistorical consumption rates, and means for displaying said value as anindicator of remaining filter life.
 37. The filter end of life indicatorassembly as set forth in claim 36 wherein said volume accumulationcircuit includes: a mechanically actuated device; a sensor configured toprovide a signal responsive to actuation of said mechanically actuateddevice by flow of a fluid in direct contact with said mechanicallyactuated device, said signal indicating that flow is occurring; meansfor accumulating volumetric flow information for said fluid by timeintegration of said signal over an assumed constant rate of flow; meansfor accumulating volumetric flow information for said fluid by timeintegration of said signal over an assumed constant rate of flow; and aflow control assembly providing a substantially constant rate of flowcorresponding to said assumed constant rate of flow when said fluid isflowing through said flow metering assembly.
 38. The filter end of lifeindicator assembly as set forth in claim 36 wherein the end of lifeindicator assembly is mounted on a nose of a faucet.
 39. The filter endof life indicator assembly as set forth in claim 38 wherein the end oflife indicator assembly is configured for removal upon prior removal ofa nozzle for dispensing filtered water.
 40. The filter end of lifeindicator assembly as set forth in claim 38 including an elastomericbattery holder configured for selective direct insertion into and fromremoval in said end of life indicator assembly from the exterior of saidend of life indicator assembly.
 41. The filter end of life indicatorassembly as set forth in claim 38 including means for resetting storedvalues in said volume circuit and said time circuit.
 42. The filter endof life indicator assembly as set forth in claim 41 wherein saidresetting means includes an insulative step mounted proximate saidbattery to permit battery to ride over said insulative step underinfluence of forces acting against elastomeric bias in said batteryholder to break an electrical contact.